NFCA Release

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced its all-region selections Saturday afternoon. Three Bombers made the list, including senior Sydney Folk who was named to the Northeast Region First Team. Senior Sam Bender earned a spot on the second team, while sophomore Casey Gavin was named to the third team.

Folk led the Bombers in almost every offensive category this season. In just 29 starts, she ranked first on the team in batting average (.393), slugging percentage (.685), on-base percentage (.465), doubles (11), RBI (32) total bases (61) and home runs (5). Earlier this week, Folk was named Empire 8 Player of the Year for the second time in her career. This season marks her third-straight NFCA All-Region selection, and the second time she has earned first-team honors (2012).

Bender was the ace in the circle for the Bombers in 2014. She ranked first on the team with a 1.38 ERA, as she allowed just 28 earned runs in 142.1 innings of play. Bender made 23 starts for Ithaca and accumulated an impressive record of 17-5 with 18 complete games. Bender, the 2014 Empire 8 Tournament MVP, is a first-time all-region selection.

Gavin hit .381 over 34 starts at first base this season, ranking second on the team. She also ranked second in slugging percentage (.526) and on-base percentage (.445), while her 37 hits ranked tied for second on the Bombers. Gavin recorded 11 doubles (tied for most on the team), a home run, 14 RBI and 15 runs scored on the year. She was a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen base attempts. This year marks her first all-region honor.  

The All-Region teams are nominated and selected by NFCA member coaches in each of the eight Division III regions. First team All-Region choices are eligible for selection to the NFCA All-America team, which will be revealed on May 21 at the NCAA Division III Softball Championship banquet in Tyler, Texas.